A Kingsbury Collection

by Karen Kingsbury

  A sense of peace washed over Faith at the silent reassurance, and she smiled at Heidi. “Tell me about him.”

  Her eyes sparkled, like a little girl about to describe her favorite birthday gift. “He’s kind and loving and it breaks his heart that I lost my mother and Jordan when I was ten years old.” Heidi’s eyes grew softer. “We just moved to Bethany this fall. He’s a pediatrician at the new clinic.” Her eyes lit up. “Oh, and five weeks ago we had our first baby. A little girl.”

  “Five weeks!” Faith hadn’t even considered the idea that Heidi might have a child or children, that Jordan was an uncle. “Wow, Heidi, you look great … you’d never know. What’s her name?”

  Heidi’s eyes lifted to meet Faith’s. “Jordan Lee.”

  More tears fell as both of them wept again, and something inside Faith swelled at the thought of seeing Jordan with his baby niece, an infant named after him. “Well, that settles it. You’ll have to dress her up tomorrow.”

  “Why?” Heidi lowered her eyebrows.

  “Because—” Faith grinned as she imagined the next day—“tomorrow’s the day Jordan Lee gets to meet her uncle.”

  At nine o’clock the next morning Jordan was lounging in bed, watching an old Western on cable. He had plans to join the local leader of a small, human-rights group for dinner—a meeting that would give him a window to the area’s less popular viewpoint regarding the Jesus statue. Jordan remembered the conversation he’d had with the man—Wally Walters—after the last press conference.

  “We’ve hated that statue as far back as I can remember. In fact, we wrote a petition asking the city to tax anyone who wanted to keep it standing.” Walters had gone on, describing his frustration in language littered with four-letter words.

  Jordan had doubts about the productivity of such a dinner, and bigger doubts about the man himself. He was a lumbering hulk who towered six-five and had a tendency to spit when he talked. Jordan had wanted to know how many people were in Walter’s local group and how many of those were opposed to the Jesus statue. The first three times Jordan asked, Wally avoided answering. Finally, when pressed for a specific number, Wally admitted he and a beer-drinking buddy of his were the group’s only two official members. And both of them wanted the statue removed or walled up for good. “There are others, though, mark my words. They’re just afraid to share their viewpoint what with the whole town ripe full of Jesus freaks.”

  Jordan rubbed his cheek, recalling the spray of saliva that had accompanied Walter’s complaint. He stretched his legs to the end of the bed and yawned. What a waste of time. He thought of the cases he could be researching, the hours he could be billing back at the firm. The only good thing that had come from spending a week in Bethany was the fact that he finally knew the truth about Heidi.

  For all the good it would do him.

  He doubled the pillow behind his head and sat up straighten Since reading his sister’s file he’d made a decision. This time when he left Bethany—regardless of the outcome of the case—he was finished looking for her. After all, it wasn’t as though Heidi was longing for him to turn up, searching for him, desperate to be reunited.

  She thought he was dead.

  Jordan pondered that and realized it wasn’t far from the truth. The Jordan Riley she had known and loved had been dead since the day they took him to Southridge.

  He flipped the channel to ESPN and stared at the screen absently, remembering Faith and her prayer that God help them find Heidi. He huffed under his breath and flipped back to the Western. How naive Faith still was after all these years. Couldn’t she see it? God hadn’t been there when that football player raked her over the coals … He hadn’t been there when she gave up her safety for the life of a child and wound up in a coma for two months … He hadn’t been there when her father died decades younger than he should have, and in the middle of doing God’s work, no less. He chuckled lightly and shook his head.

  Faith was a fool.

  Oh, there was no denying the power she still held over him, the way her presence made him long to run off with her to a mountain retreat where politics and religion didn’t exist. But that wasn’t possible. If Faith was still able to cling to her beliefs after all she’d been through, all she’d watched Jordan go through, then nothing would make her let go. She’d be a believer to the day she died, and that counted Jordan out completely.

  “Ah, Faith … ”

  He remembered the way he felt with her so close to him. “If only I could change your mind. You and I would be so good togeth—”

  The phone rang, and Jordan stared at it strangely. Was it Hawkins again? Didn’t the man ever rest? Jordan tried to decide whether his boss would be frustrated that he wasn’t holding another press conference that morning or grateful he wasn’t out fraternizing with the enemy. He picked up the phone, his mood suddenly sour. “Hello?”

  The caller paused, and at first Jordan thought it was a wrong number. He was about to hang up when he heard her. “Hi … it’s me, Faith.”

  Jordan closed his eyes and felt his body relax. Even if he never saw her again after this week, nothing would change the way she made him feel. “Hey, what’s up?”

  “I need to talk to you … today, say around one o’clock?” There was an urgency in her voice.

  “Why?”

  “Something’s come up. I can’t talk about it on the phone.”

  Jordan opened his eyes, sat up on the edge of the bed, and rested his elbows on his knees. As emotional as he’d been the past month it probably wasn’t a good idea to spend time alone with her. Each time it was more difficult not to touch her face, to pull her close and …

  He inhaled sharply. “It just so happens I have an opening at one.”

  She laughed, and the sound was like music from a favorite song he hadn’t heard in years. “Okay, see you there.”

  “Wait … ” A grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Where?”

  “Oh, right.” She was suddenly in a hurry. “Jericho Park, near the swings.”

  “Jericho Pa—” In the full-length mirror opposite the bed, Jordan watched his face grow dark. “If this is some kind of media event I need to know what’s hap—”

  There was a pause. “You should know me better than that.” Hurt rang loud and clear in Faith’s voice as she cut him off. “This has nothing to do with the case.”

  He felt his shoulders slump. “I’m sorry. It’s just … there’s been so much pressure from the office to stay on top of the media.” He rubbed his forehead. “Why am I telling you this?”

  There was silence for a moment. “Because deep down, where your heart lives, you still trust me.”

  He uttered a nearly silent laugh. Faith, if only you knew … What I feel for you goes much deeper than trust and friendship. “You think so, huh?”

  She picked up on his teasing tone. “Yes, and besides, I’m probably the only friend you have in town.”

  “That’s not true.” His grin was back. “I’m having dinner with Wally Walters.”

  “You and old Wally?” Faith laughed again, and Jordan felt warmed with relief that she wasn’t mad at him for doubting her. “I didn’t know they let him out at night.”

  “Very funny.”

  She was giggling harder now. “Let’s just say your one o’clock appointment will make up for it.”

  “Okay.” He stood up and wandered toward the closet area. The day looked a hundred times brighter than it had before her phone call. “But Faith … ”

  “What?”

  “You’ll have to prove it to me.”

  She didn’t laugh. “I don’t think that’s going to be a problem.”

  26

  Heidi’s heart raced as she sat in the parking lot at Jericho Park and waited for Faith to show up. It was almost one, and Faith had promised she’d be there before Jordan. Heidi glanced at her baby daughter sleeping so peacefully in the backseat, and then at the driveway. She willed Faith’s car to appear.

  Come on �
� get here …

  Her breaths came in short bursts, and her hands were sweaty against the steering wheel. She couldn’t remember being this nervous about anything in her life. Conversations with the Lord had done nothing to ease her anxiety, and in the twelve hours since seeing Faith the night before, she’d had only a few moments of restless sleep. After crying herself to sleep weeks on end as a child and living with a hole in her heart since Jordan’s supposed death, she could hardly believe she was about to see him again.

  But there was a nagging doubt she couldn’t quite shake. The last time she and Jordan were together, he’d been her hero, her protector. Now, he was the one hurting and they had moved miles apart in their walks with God.

  What if Jordan didn’t like her? What if all they had was surface talk and promises of Christmas cards? How would she handle that?

  “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” The words from the book of Romans played over and over in her mind … those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose … called according to His purpose … called according to His purpose …

  Her heartbeat slowed, and she felt peace come over her like a protective shield. Jordan might be fighting God now, but the Bible was full of such men. Paul, for instance. Paul had overseen the killing of Christians, and yet God had still used him. Certainly Jordan had been called by God. He had given his heart to the Lord long before their mother got sick. Heidi leaned back in her seat and smiled.

  Okay, God, I believe You … There’s a plan in all this. But please … hurry up and show me.

  Faith pulled into the driveway ten minutes before one and immediately found Heidi’s car. Her heart soared as though it had wings. Lord, You’re so good. I can’t believe this is happening. Heidi and Jordan would want time alone, so Faith had decided to bring Rosa. School was out and the child loved spending an hour or two at Jericho Park. She shot a look back at Rosa Lee and grinned. “Honey, we’re here. Get your coat.”

  Rosa did as she was told while Faith parked the car next to Heidi’s, and climbed out. In the spot next to them, Heidi took Jordan Lee from her car seat and strapped her into a stroller. Faith held Rosa’s hand, weaving her fingers between the child’s. Then she led Rosa to the stroller where they peeked at the baby.

  Tears filled Faith’s eyes as she marveled over the infant’s perfect peachy skin and dark hair. “Oh, Heidi, she’s beautiful.” Faith leaned in closer and ran her fingertips over the tiny girl’s downy-soft forehead. The resemblance was striking. “She looks just like Jordan.” Faith stood up and hugged Heidi. “I can’t believe the two of you are really going to see each other … after all this time.”

  Heidi dabbed at her own tears. “I promised myself I wouldn’t break down. Not yet.” She uttered a cry that was part laugh. “I don’t want mascara running down my face when he sees me.”

  “He’s going to love you, Heidi. Stop worrying.” Faith ran her thumb under Heidi’s right eye. “There. No mascara.” She grinned and looked down at the child beside her. “Rosa, I’d like you to meet Mrs. Benson. She’s a friend of mine.”

  Rosa stuck out her good hand. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Benson.”

  “What nice manners, Rosa.” Heidi shook the child’s hand and smiled, casting Faith a quick grin. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, too.”

  The four of them made their way into the park and found a picnic table near the swings. Rosa was singing happy songs, soaring halfway to the trees in a matter of minutes.

  “What a beautiful little girl. Is she family?”

  Faith shifted her gaze to Rosa and sighed. “I’d like her to be, but no. She’s a foster child up for adoption.” Faith looked at Heidi once more. “I think I’m in love with her.”

  “I see that.” Heidi smiled, and her eyes danced with the possibilities. “Is there a chance you’ll …?”

  “Adopt her? I don’t know.” Faith could feel the tears again and she blinked them back. “I’ve prayed about it every day for weeks now, and it seems like God’s telling me to wait.” She glanced back at Rosa. “Deep in my heart I feel she deserves two parents—a mom and a dad.” Faith felt the corners of her mouth droop a fraction. “And that’s something I can’t give her.”

  They were quiet for a moment as Heidi rocked the stroller back and forth and they watched Rosa swing.

  “I wish we were sitting over there.” Faith broke the silence and pointed to the bench closest to the walled-in Jesus statue. “That was Jordan’s favorite spot when he was a boy.” She let her gaze settle on the plywood walls and her heart felt heavier than before. The walls were starting to break away in a few places, no doubt pulled at by teenagers or people frustrated with the mandate. The whole situation was too sad for Faith. She turned back to Heidi. “But I promised Jordan this wasn’t about the statue, and it isn’t.” She patted the wooden table. “This’ll do fine.”

  Heidi was about to say something when a car pulled into the parking lot.

  “That’s him.” Faith drew a deep breath and squeezed Heidi’s hand. “I’ll meet him halfway and explain what’s happening.”

  She stood up just as Jordan climbed out of the car and shut the door. He wore casual dress slacks, a white button-down shirt, and a navy cardigan sweater. Even from fifty yards he was easily the most handsome man Faith had ever seen.

  Jordan spotted Faith as soon as he pulled into the parking lot and felt a frown crease his brow as he slid from the vehicle.

  Who was she talking to? Just his luck someone would see her there and cut into their time together. Faith knew just about everyone in town … and he was painfully aware that neither of them wanted people talking about their friendship.

  He slowed his pace and waited for her.

  As she came closer, he savored the sight of her and wished for the hundredth time she wasn’t so dogmatic about her beliefs. Could the young woman before him really be his enemy? He dismissed the thought, forcing himself to keep a businesslike attitude. “Okay, this better be good.” He slipped his hands in his pocket and smiled at her.

  Her eyes lit up in response and she stopped a foot from him, crossing her arms and lowering her chin playfully. “It will be.”

  The woman Faith had been sitting with was watching them. “Should we find a better place?” He was serious now. It was important neither of them were seen together. “We can drive somewhere outside of town … ”

  Faith shook her head. “No. She’s okay.”

  Jordan glanced at the woman again, then searched Faith’s eyes. “Who is she?”

  There was hesitation in Faith’s face, as though she wasn’t sure where to begin. Finally she drew a slow breath and locked onto his gaze. “Remember yesterday in your car when I prayed we’d find Heidi?”

  He blinked. Why was Faith bringing that up now? “Okay, so … ”

  “Last night I got a call, Jordan. From a woman named Heidi Benson.” She paused, and he felt as though his heart had taken leave of his body. He couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think. All he could do was wait for her to continue. “At first I thought she was just another townsperson. You know, someone wanting to help keep the statue up.”

  “But … ” Jordan forced the word through suddenly numb lips. His head was spinning. Nothing about the conversation fit neatly into any of his mind’s file drawers.

  “But … she wasn’t. She saw you on television yesterday, Jordan. She lives right here in Bethany. Moved here a few weeks ago.” Faith’s eyes filled with tears, and they spilled onto her cheeks as she reached out and laid her fingers on his arm. “She came to my house last night. Jordan, it’s her. Heidi.”

  He could feel the blood leaving his body—first his face, then his chest and arms. His legs trembled as he looked again at the woman sitting at the picnic table. “But … who is she?”

  Faith’s voice was little more than a whisper and her lip quivered as she spoke. “She’s your sister, Jordan. And she wants to
see you.”

  His gaze dropped to the ground and he clenched his teeth. When he looked up, he found Faith’s eyes once more. “You’re serious. You found her?” He gazed at the woman in the distance again. “That’s … Heidi?”

  “Yes, Heidi and her baby.” Faith came to him then and hugged him, and he couldn’t decide whether to run the distance between him and Heidi or fall to the ground and weep. It had been so long … and after finding her file he was sure he’d never see her again. Now …

  “She … has a baby?” He folded his arms across his chest, squeezing his hands together in tight fists. “Faith, I can’t believe it … I … ” He looked at her, stunned, still not believing it was true, as tears welled in his eyes. “How can I ever thank you?”

  “That’s just it, Jordan.” Faith leveled her gaze at him, her eyes unblinking. “God brought her back to you.” She paused. “I had nothing to do with it. Remember that when you hit the pillow tonight.”

  Jordan nodded absently, and Faith moved her face inches closer to his. “I’m serious. You can’t stay angry at God forever.”

  Her last remark left something unsettled deep in his gut, but he shifted his attention to Heidi. She was looking at the baby in her arms, and suddenly he needed to see her, hold her, be with her as desperately as he needed air. “Sure, Faith, okay.” He hugged her again, truly grateful for her role in this. Finding Heidi had been nothing short of providence and good luck, mixed with Faith’s kindness and determination. But it would only upset Faith to say so now. “Come with me?”

  She shook her head. “I’m watching Rosa. I’ll hang out with her while the two of you talk.”

  Jordan stared at his sister again, and this time Heidi caught his look. She waved, though she was too far away for him to make out her face. “Hi … ” He silently mouthed the word as he waved back.

  “It’s really her!” Jordan brushed away a tear and smiled. He began walking briskly toward Heidi, Faith still at his side. Dozens of images filled his mind … his sister walking home from school beside him … the two of them doing homework at the kitchen table … Heidi holding his hand as they crept into their mother’s room in the days when her sickness first got bad … Heidi throwing herself over their mother the day she died and Jordan pulling her gently back, assuring her that no matter what, they’d have each other.